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What Is the Birthstone for July?
Ruby is the official birthstone for July. This red birthstone is a variety of the mineral corundum and has been treasured by royalty and nobility throughout history. Rubies are the most valuable variety of corundum — the same mineral family as sapphires — and generally command the highest per-carat price of any colored stone. Ruby derives its name from the Latin word "ruber," meaning red.
July Birthstone History & Meaning
Throughout history, rubies were believed to possess extraordinary powers. In medieval Europe, rubies were thought to bestow health, wisdom, wealth, and success in love. Ancient records suggest that rubies were traded along the North Silk Road in China as early as 200 B.C. Ancient Burmese and Chinese warriors used rubies in their battle armor to provide protection and invincibility.
Some cultures believed that July's birthstone could predict misfortune or danger by darkening in color, while others claimed it could cure inflammatory diseases and soothe anger. Rubies have also been used in practical applications such as medical instruments, lasers, and watchmaking. In fact, the first laser was made with red fluorescent light emitted from a ruby in 1960.
For those born in July, ruby symbolizes passion, protection, and prosperity. The birthstone's fiery nature is said to reflect the bold and courageous personality traits common to July-born individuals, who are often characterized as confident, ambitious, and determined.
July Birthstone Color
Ruby's signature red color stems from chromium and other trace elements in the crystal structure. The color range of rubies can vary from pink-red to orange-red to deep crimson, with the most valuable rubies displaying a pure, vibrant red to slightly purplish-red color with even color distribution and strong fluorescence that makes the stones appear to glow from within. This uniformity, combined with exceptional transparency and a vibrant, saturated red color, is why rubies command the highest per-carat price of any colored stone on the market.
July Birthstone Durability
Ruby ranks 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, second only to diamond (10), making it exceptionally durable for everyday wear. The July birthstone's excellent toughness and lack of cleavage (a tendency to break along certain planes) make it resistant to chipping and breaking, making it ideal for all types of jewelry including rings, which receive the most daily impact.
July Birthstone Origin
Natural rubies were initially found among weathered marble and ancient Buddhist temples in Myanmar in the Mogok Valley, home to many other sought-after gemstones. Today, the July birthstones are found in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Tajikistan, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.
July Birthstone Care & Maintenance
Natural and lab rubies are often heat treated to remove purplish coloration, leaving a purer red. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your ruby's treatment for proper cleaning methods and care. In most cases, rubies can be cleaned with ultrasonic and steam cleaners or simply cleaned with a damp cloth or other gentle cleaning methods, such as warm soapy water and a soft brush.
